Habitat:
Stenoglottis longifolia is native to southern and southeastern Africa, occurring in Mozambique, Eswatini (Swaziland), and South Africa, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces. It grows in humid, shaded forest margins and rocky stream banks, often in leaf litter or mossy crevices, at elevations between 300 and 1,200 metres. This species typically inhabits moist woodland and montane forest zones, where rainfall is seasonal and the atmosphere remains humid throughout the summer months.
Description:
A deciduous terrestrial or lithophytic orchid, Stenoglottis longifolia forms small rosettes of narrow, elongate leaves emerging from a short basal stem or tuberous rhizome. The leaves are lanceolate, often 15–25 cm long and 1–2 cm wide, with wavy or slightly undulate margins, arranged in a basal whorl. In late summer to autumn, it produces an erect, slender inflorescence up to 40 cm tall, bearing numerous small, pale pink to lilac flowers, each 1.5–2.0 cm across. The petals and sepals are narrow and spreading, while the lip is three-lobed and marked with darker spotting or striping, a key feature for distinguishing it from similar species such as Stenoglottis fimbriata. After flowering, the plant enters a dormant phase, shedding its leaves during the dry season.
Cultivation:
Grow Stenoglottis longifolia in moderate, filtered light, avoiding direct midday sun. It requires warm daytime temperatures between 20–28 °C, with cooler nights of 12–16 °C to stimulate flowering. Maintain high humidity (above 60%) during the growing season. Plant in a moist, free-draining terrestrial orchid mix containing fine bark, leaf mould, and perlite. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.8–6.5). Water frequently during active growth to keep the substrate evenly moist but not soggy. As the plant enters dormancy in winter, reduce watering significantly and keep it just barely moist until new growth appears. Apply a weak orchid fertiliser monthly during the growing period.
Specifications:
Plant Size: small plants, 5-8 cm wide in 5 cm pots.
Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Passport: Stenoglottis longifolia B 140084 C [user input] D GB